Blurring the line between hatchback and wagon, the 2012 Audi A3 combines utility and excitement in a compact design. Despite its entry-level price point, the 2012 A3 offers a variety of upscale amenities and drivetrain options. Ample cargo capacity and available all-wheel drive make the Audi A3 one of the most versatile cars on the road. For years, hatchback designs were unappealing to most American car buyers. Lately, however, shoppers are beginning to appreciate the flexibility offered by hatchbacks, and the Audi A3's recent sales figures are a prime example of the market shift.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you are looking for a vehicle that mixes practicality with dynamic handling, the 2012 Audi A3 will fit the bill. While there are several sensible alternatives including the Volkswagen GTI and Lexus CT 200h, the 2012 Audi A3 delivers a unique blend of excitement and refinement its competitors simply cannot match.

You May Not Like This Car If...

At first glance, the 2012 Audi A3's near-$30,000 base price may appear attractive, however, Audi's pricing structure and abundance of options can swiftly inflate the A3's price well into the mid-$30s. If you are simply in the market for a sharp-handling, practical hatchback with a price tag under $25,000, the VW GTI or Mazda3 hatchback are worthy alternatives.

What's New for 2012

After receiving a modest refresh in 2009 and the end of its current lifecycle in sight, the Audi A3 remains virtually unchanged for the 2012 model year.

Driving the A3

Driving Impressions
Despite 2012 being in the final year of its current lifecycle, the A3 continues to deliver a desirable balance of comfortable ride and sharp handling. The Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering...

is appropriately communicative, while the 4-wheel independent suspension is both predictable and controlled. Opting for the sport suspension and 18-inch wheels will add an insignificant amount of harshness to the A3's otherwise composed ride. Regardless of your preference for manual shifting, we recommend you experience Audi's S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission before committing to the 6-speed manual. The dual-clutch automatic is more responsive when on the throttle and provides lightning-quick shifts, while (obviously) being more convenient in stop-and-go driving.

Favorite Features

QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVEThe jury is in when it comes to the benefits of all-wheel drive. In virtually any road condition, dividing the engine's output among all four wheels provides a level of control not available when only two wheels are driven. We only regret that Audi's quattro all-wheel drive setup is no longer available in the U.S. market with the 6-speed manual transmission.

HATCHBACK VERSATILITYThe A3's 5-door configuration almost exponentially expands the utility of the A3 platform. With the rear seats up, you'll enjoy comfortable seating for four, along with 19.5 cubic feet of luggage space for overnight travel. When folded, the travel options (for two) are unlimited, providing secure, accommodating storage for any number of activity-oriented pursuits.

2012 Audi A3 Details

Interior

Despite its entry-level status, the 2012 Audi A3 features a beautifully crafted interior where high-quality materials abound. The base seats are comfortable and supportive, while the available sport seat's aggressive bolsters keep the driver on lockdown during spirited driving. The 2012 Audi A3's interior is easily adaptable, and with sensible ergonomics and logical placement of controls comes a user-friendly driving experience. Tight rear legroom is expected with any compact hatchback, and the A3 is no exception to that rule. The rear seats feature a 60/40 split design and although they do not fold completely flat, they do allow for reasonable cargo versatility.

Audi's 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is perennially regarded as one of the best drivetrains available in its luxury segment. Producing 200 horsepower at 5,100-6,000 rpm, and 207 lb-ft of torque at between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm, the turbocharged four is as flexible as it is fast. If you want to maximize your efficiency, Audi's direct injected 2.0-liter clean diesel is a compelling argument for the non-hybrid drivetrain, with adequate power, generous torque (236 lb-ft at 1,750-2,500 rpm) and a whopping 42 miles per gallon (EPA highway). We only wish Audi would combine its diesel offering with quattro all-wheel drive.

"I've had this car since new and have put quite a few miles on it. It's fun to drive and gets good fuel economy, avg of 40 - 42 typically. It handles very well as evidenced by the poor kid in the Mustang who tried to keep up driving the back roads of WV.
I've since chipped the engine & transmission, upsized the anti sway bars, put an S3 intercooler on and installed larger diameter rotors. Still gets >40mpg if I keep my foot out of it but now has closer to 165hp and 340 ft/pds of torque."

"10 mph in first gear, 2650 Rpm at hiway speed, worst car design I've ever seen. Love our A4, which has less power but lower rpm at speed, thus the A4 gets way better mileage. We will not buy another Audi due to experience with this one!"

"Very responsive and peppy. Drives like a German sports car.
comfortable even for my 6' frame. Could use some A/C vents in the back....its hot in Texas. 18" Audi wheels and low profile tires gets second looks from others. Cool running lights."

Best car I've ever owned

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

9/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

9/10

Pros: "Just plain high quality."

Cons: "You pay for quality."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have the tdi. Maintenance costs are moderate to high, but the tightness of the transmission, the completely thought through components and system integration make it a delight to drive. The S-line transmission make country driving more fun, and stuck in traffic it is quiet and smooth.
It was about $7or 8K more than the Jetta hatchback, but worth it because the finishes, components, electronics, etc. are more durable. I've had it almost 2 years now and nothing has broken, fallen off, or worn down. Finish is still as new. The power of the diesel engine is gratifying. It has the power to zoom out of a tight situation while going 80."